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Ash & Juliana #1
The Wedding Night Affair
An unlikely pair explores the darkest corners of London society in this thrilling historical mystery.
The year is 1748, and Lady Juliana Uppingham awakens in a pool of blood, with no memory of how her new husband ended up dead beside her. Her distaste for her betrothed was no secret, but even so, Juliana couldn’t possibly have killed him…could she?
Juliana’s only hope is Sir Edmund Ashendon, a dashing baronet with a knack for solving seemingly unsolvable crimes—and a reputation for trouble. A man as comfortable in the rookeries of St. Giles as he is in the royal court, Ash believes Juliana is innocent, though all signs point to her as the killer. He doesn’t expect to develop a soft spot for the spirited widow, one that only grows when escalating threats against Juliana force Ash to shelter her in his home.
When another body is found, it becomes clear that Juliana has been dragged into something much, much bigger than simply her husband’s murder. With a collection of deadly black-tipped feathers as their sole clue and a date at the end of a hangman’s noose looming, they’ll have to find the real killer—before it’s too late.
Ash & Juliana
Book 1: The Wedding Night Affair
The year is 1748, and Lady Juliana Uppingham awakens in a pool of blood, with no memory of how her new husband ended up dead beside her. Her distaste for her betrothed was no secret, but even so, Juliana couldn’t possibly have killed him…could she?
Juliana’s only hope is Sir Edmund Ashendon, a dashing baronet with a knack for solving seemingly unsolvable crimes—and a reputation for trouble. A man as comfortable in the rookeries of St. Giles as he is in the royal court, Ash believes Juliana is innocent, though all signs point to her as the killer. He doesn’t expect to develop a soft spot for the spirited widow, one that only grows when escalating threats against Juliana force Ash to shelter her in his home.
When another body is found, it becomes clear that Juliana has been dragged into something much, much bigger than simply her husband’s murder. With a collection of deadly black-tipped feathers as their sole clue and a date at the end of a hangman’s noose looming, they’ll have to find the real killer—before it’s too late.
Ash & Juliana
Book 1: The Wedding Night Affair
275 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 11, 2021
28 people are currently reading
172 people want to read
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June 24, 2021
I've given this a B at AAR.
The Wedding Night Affair is the first book in a new series of historical mysteries set in Georgian England entitled Ash & Juliana for its two protagonists – Sir Edmund Ashendon, a well-to-do young lawyer and Lady Juliana, daughter and sole heir to the Earl of Hawksworth. This opening instalment has a similar premise to the first books in at least three other historical mystery series I can think of – Lady Julia (Deanna Raybourn), John Pickett (Sheri Cobb South) and Lady Darby (Anna Lee Huber) – in that the heroine is accused of murdering her (thoroughly unpleasant) husband, but that’s really the only similarity, and The Wedding Night Affair very quickly establishes its own distinctive world and authorial voice.
The story opens in a memorably shocking way as new bride Lady Juliana awakens the morning after her wedding to Lord Godfrey Uppingham. Every part of her body aches and she’s covered in bruises; her wedding night was one of pain and terror as her husband used her roughly and repeatedly in a way she had not been at all prepared for. (The assaults are not detailed on the page but are referred to in sufficient detail as to leave no doubt about what took place the night before.) When Juliana moves the covers so she can get out of bed, she at first thinks the smear of blood on her thighs is only to be expected – until she realises it’s more than a smear. She’s lying in a pool of blood, her husband lying flat on his back next to her with his own knife sticking out of his chest. The same knife he’d used to slice through her clothes the night before.
Juliana’s screams naturally bring servants running, followed by her in-laws, who immediately berate her for alerting the servants by making so much noise and then accuse her of murdering their son. Still in shock, the only thing Juliana can do is cling to the knowledge that she didn’t kill her husband while his parents send her back to her family home in disgrace.
Henry Fielding (yes THE Henry Fielding) is the magistrate in charge of Bow Street at this time, and having learned of the murder, asks lawyer Sir Edmund Ashendon to go to question the lady and bring her back to Bow Street where she can be safely housed until a date is set for her trial. Already intrigued by the case, Ash agrees and makes his way to the Hawksworth town house, where he is able to speak with Lady Juliana and get her side of the story. As he listens to her and realises how terribly she has been treated by everyone around her, he can’t help feeling sympathy – and listening to her account of her wedding night, suggests she may have been acting in self-defence. But Juliana insists she didn’t commit the murder – and Ash is starting to believe her.
The Wedding Night Affair gets this series off to a good start; and I should say now that while the murder mystery is solved and we find out who killed Uppingham, the author has also set a larger, overarching plot into motion featuring the mysterious London crime-lord known only as Raven, which is to be continued in the next book. In this one however, we watch as Ash and Juliana work together to find the evidence necessary to exonerate her, and in doing so, develop a strong friendship with the potential to turn romantic at some point in the future. There’s a definite attraction between the pair, but the author very wisely keeps it fairly low-key and allows them to get to know each other, and for Juliana – in the company of Ash and his family – to be able to enjoy the sort of family life she’s never had.
Ash is an engaging hero; kind, intelligent and principled, he doesn’t open up often or easily, but he finds himself letting his guard down with Juliana (just a little bit) and maybe liking her a bit more than he feels he should. He’s the head of his family and obviously cares deeply for his siblings, but there are some secrets in the family’s past he’s keen to keep hidden.
One of the best things about the book is its very strong sense of time and place – which isn’t surprising considering that L.C. Sharp is a pseudonym for Lynne Connolly, who has written a number of historical romances set in the period. Her research is always impeccable and she makes really good use of it, inserting fascinating period detail (such as the very real ‘fad’ for kidnapping heiresses and forcing them into marriage or holding them for ransom) into the background or even into the main plotlines, and evoking the sights, sounds (and smells!) of the smoke-filled pubs and taverns, or the narrow, muddy streets or the grand, Palladian mansions of the newer West End.
She also hammers home just how precarious life could be for a young woman in Juliana’s position. Outwardly living a life of luxury, she seems to have it all, but behind closed doors her parents treat her despicably, marrying her off to a man of whose depravities they are well aware in order to further her father’s plan to have her son inherit his lands and title. Sadly, it takes a horrific assault to set her on the path towards becoming her own person, but I was rooting for her to make the most of her second chance (and I may have been cheering inwardly when she at last talks back to her horrible parents!). The one issue I had with that though, was that Juliana so often thinks “I’ll never go back to being that person” (or words to that effect) that it felt repetitive and got old very quickly. I could see her gradually taking control of her life; I didn’t need to be reminded she was doing it so often. There are a few other minor irritants along the way, such as Juliana’s very nearly TSTL moment (when she decides to go against Ash’s express wishes) and an early clue which was then forgotten about until near the end.
One last thing. I know authors often have no input into the titles for their books, but whoever came up with this one has devised something misleading. “The Wedding Night Affair” gives the impression this is much a more light-hearted read than it is, so if you’re thinking about picking it up, please take note of what I’ve said about the way in which the story begins.
Poorly chosen title aside, The Wedding Night Affair nonetheless earns a recommendation. The characters are engaging, the plotline is intriguing and I’m invested enough to want to read book two, The Sign of the Raven, when it comes out later this year.
The Wedding Night Affair is the first book in a new series of historical mysteries set in Georgian England entitled Ash & Juliana for its two protagonists – Sir Edmund Ashendon, a well-to-do young lawyer and Lady Juliana, daughter and sole heir to the Earl of Hawksworth. This opening instalment has a similar premise to the first books in at least three other historical mystery series I can think of – Lady Julia (Deanna Raybourn), John Pickett (Sheri Cobb South) and Lady Darby (Anna Lee Huber) – in that the heroine is accused of murdering her (thoroughly unpleasant) husband, but that’s really the only similarity, and The Wedding Night Affair very quickly establishes its own distinctive world and authorial voice.
The story opens in a memorably shocking way as new bride Lady Juliana awakens the morning after her wedding to Lord Godfrey Uppingham. Every part of her body aches and she’s covered in bruises; her wedding night was one of pain and terror as her husband used her roughly and repeatedly in a way she had not been at all prepared for. (The assaults are not detailed on the page but are referred to in sufficient detail as to leave no doubt about what took place the night before.) When Juliana moves the covers so she can get out of bed, she at first thinks the smear of blood on her thighs is only to be expected – until she realises it’s more than a smear. She’s lying in a pool of blood, her husband lying flat on his back next to her with his own knife sticking out of his chest. The same knife he’d used to slice through her clothes the night before.
Juliana’s screams naturally bring servants running, followed by her in-laws, who immediately berate her for alerting the servants by making so much noise and then accuse her of murdering their son. Still in shock, the only thing Juliana can do is cling to the knowledge that she didn’t kill her husband while his parents send her back to her family home in disgrace.
Henry Fielding (yes THE Henry Fielding) is the magistrate in charge of Bow Street at this time, and having learned of the murder, asks lawyer Sir Edmund Ashendon to go to question the lady and bring her back to Bow Street where she can be safely housed until a date is set for her trial. Already intrigued by the case, Ash agrees and makes his way to the Hawksworth town house, where he is able to speak with Lady Juliana and get her side of the story. As he listens to her and realises how terribly she has been treated by everyone around her, he can’t help feeling sympathy – and listening to her account of her wedding night, suggests she may have been acting in self-defence. But Juliana insists she didn’t commit the murder – and Ash is starting to believe her.
The Wedding Night Affair gets this series off to a good start; and I should say now that while the murder mystery is solved and we find out who killed Uppingham, the author has also set a larger, overarching plot into motion featuring the mysterious London crime-lord known only as Raven, which is to be continued in the next book. In this one however, we watch as Ash and Juliana work together to find the evidence necessary to exonerate her, and in doing so, develop a strong friendship with the potential to turn romantic at some point in the future. There’s a definite attraction between the pair, but the author very wisely keeps it fairly low-key and allows them to get to know each other, and for Juliana – in the company of Ash and his family – to be able to enjoy the sort of family life she’s never had.
Ash is an engaging hero; kind, intelligent and principled, he doesn’t open up often or easily, but he finds himself letting his guard down with Juliana (just a little bit) and maybe liking her a bit more than he feels he should. He’s the head of his family and obviously cares deeply for his siblings, but there are some secrets in the family’s past he’s keen to keep hidden.
One of the best things about the book is its very strong sense of time and place – which isn’t surprising considering that L.C. Sharp is a pseudonym for Lynne Connolly, who has written a number of historical romances set in the period. Her research is always impeccable and she makes really good use of it, inserting fascinating period detail (such as the very real ‘fad’ for kidnapping heiresses and forcing them into marriage or holding them for ransom) into the background or even into the main plotlines, and evoking the sights, sounds (and smells!) of the smoke-filled pubs and taverns, or the narrow, muddy streets or the grand, Palladian mansions of the newer West End.
She also hammers home just how precarious life could be for a young woman in Juliana’s position. Outwardly living a life of luxury, she seems to have it all, but behind closed doors her parents treat her despicably, marrying her off to a man of whose depravities they are well aware in order to further her father’s plan to have her son inherit his lands and title. Sadly, it takes a horrific assault to set her on the path towards becoming her own person, but I was rooting for her to make the most of her second chance (and I may have been cheering inwardly when she at last talks back to her horrible parents!). The one issue I had with that though, was that Juliana so often thinks “I’ll never go back to being that person” (or words to that effect) that it felt repetitive and got old very quickly. I could see her gradually taking control of her life; I didn’t need to be reminded she was doing it so often. There are a few other minor irritants along the way, such as Juliana’s very nearly TSTL moment (when she decides to go against Ash’s express wishes) and an early clue which was then forgotten about until near the end.
One last thing. I know authors often have no input into the titles for their books, but whoever came up with this one has devised something misleading. “The Wedding Night Affair” gives the impression this is much a more light-hearted read than it is, so if you’re thinking about picking it up, please take note of what I’ve said about the way in which the story begins.
Poorly chosen title aside, The Wedding Night Affair nonetheless earns a recommendation. The characters are engaging, the plotline is intriguing and I’m invested enough to want to read book two, The Sign of the Raven, when it comes out later this year.
May 24, 2021
Series: Ash & Juliana #1
Publication Date: 5/11/21
Period: Georgian London - 1748
Number of Pages: 275
Lynne Connolly, writing as L.C. Sharp, has created a stellar historical mystery series. The writing is outstanding, period correct, and riveting. The mystery will confound you to the end and even then, it will leave you wondering what will happen next. The characters are so relatable, especially Juliana who grows exponentially during this tale. You will definitely be wanting more of them – to see where their relationship goes and to see how she finally manages to deal with the trauma inflicted upon her during her wedding night. Sorry, but we have to wait until August before we’ll get our next infusion of Ash and Juliana in The Sign of the Raven. I can hardly wait. This is definitely NOT a romance novel – it is most definitely a historical mystery that is accompanied by – but not overpowered by – a bit of a romance. For me personally, it strikes the perfect balance between the mystery and the romance.
Lady Juliana Christianson, the only child of the Earl of Hawksworth, has just married Lord Godfrey Uppingham, the second son of the Marquess of Urmston. The marriage was definitely a marriage of convenience – and not Juliana’s convenience at that. It is all due to her father working the system and bribing the crown in order for his title and bloodline to continue. Naïve, cosseted, protected from everyone and everything – no friends, not even a servant she could be close to – Juliana had absolutely no clue about the horror she was about to walk into. Everyone else knew – including her parents – but nobody cared as long as they got what they wanted out of the union. So, when Juliana awoke the next morning – in a pool of blood – with her new husband dead beside her, she didn’t mourn his loss at all. However, she knew she didn’t kill him. Who did? Why did they leave her alive? Everybody is accusing her, is she now headed toward the hangman’s noose?
Sir Edmund Ashendon (Ash) and his family have a sad, traumatic background with a scandal they are just now beginning to live down. They’ve distanced themselves from it, but it caused Ash to make a profound change in his life. He moved from the lucrative business of property law into criminal law. It is no surprise when Mr. Henry Fielding left word he wanted to see Ash because Ash was always looking for an interesting case and the case Mr. Fielding presented him was definitely that. Mr. Fielding gives Ash full authorization to act on his behalf and to bring the accused – a woman who stabbed her husband on their wedding night – to Bow Street for interrogation and arrest.
Nothing is ever as simple as it appears and this arrest certainly isn’t. With mobs in the street calling for Juliana’s blood, Ash must get her to a place of safety – and Bow Street might not even be that place. Oddly enough, as Ash interviews the young woman, he begins to believe that she might not have done it. If she didn’t do it, who did? Why didn’t she awake while her husband was being murdered? If he can figure out who actually did it, can he prove it?
There is a new criminal mastermind in London. Known as the Raven, he has great ambitions. He’s already very powerful and has begun combining all of the different gangs under one umbrella. Ash comes to believe that the Raven is somehow involved in Godfrey’s murder, but can find absolutely no clues to definitely show that is the case. As the case moves along, there is another murder. A witness is killed in Ash’s own garden. That is much too close to home.
The mystery is exciting, suspenseful, and well developed. When you add the dastardly machinations of Juliana’s parents and the manipulations of the Raven to the evidence in the murder, you have to wonder how Juliana will ever prove her innocence.
I adored Ash and Juliana. They made a marvelous working team – especially with Juliana’s keen observational skills. I really look forward to watching them work together in solving future cases – and in life itself. Juliana’s growth just in this one book was exceptional and I cannot wait to see where she goes from here.
Publication Date: 5/11/21
Period: Georgian London - 1748
Number of Pages: 275
Lynne Connolly, writing as L.C. Sharp, has created a stellar historical mystery series. The writing is outstanding, period correct, and riveting. The mystery will confound you to the end and even then, it will leave you wondering what will happen next. The characters are so relatable, especially Juliana who grows exponentially during this tale. You will definitely be wanting more of them – to see where their relationship goes and to see how she finally manages to deal with the trauma inflicted upon her during her wedding night. Sorry, but we have to wait until August before we’ll get our next infusion of Ash and Juliana in The Sign of the Raven. I can hardly wait. This is definitely NOT a romance novel – it is most definitely a historical mystery that is accompanied by – but not overpowered by – a bit of a romance. For me personally, it strikes the perfect balance between the mystery and the romance.
Lady Juliana Christianson, the only child of the Earl of Hawksworth, has just married Lord Godfrey Uppingham, the second son of the Marquess of Urmston. The marriage was definitely a marriage of convenience – and not Juliana’s convenience at that. It is all due to her father working the system and bribing the crown in order for his title and bloodline to continue. Naïve, cosseted, protected from everyone and everything – no friends, not even a servant she could be close to – Juliana had absolutely no clue about the horror she was about to walk into. Everyone else knew – including her parents – but nobody cared as long as they got what they wanted out of the union. So, when Juliana awoke the next morning – in a pool of blood – with her new husband dead beside her, she didn’t mourn his loss at all. However, she knew she didn’t kill him. Who did? Why did they leave her alive? Everybody is accusing her, is she now headed toward the hangman’s noose?
Sir Edmund Ashendon (Ash) and his family have a sad, traumatic background with a scandal they are just now beginning to live down. They’ve distanced themselves from it, but it caused Ash to make a profound change in his life. He moved from the lucrative business of property law into criminal law. It is no surprise when Mr. Henry Fielding left word he wanted to see Ash because Ash was always looking for an interesting case and the case Mr. Fielding presented him was definitely that. Mr. Fielding gives Ash full authorization to act on his behalf and to bring the accused – a woman who stabbed her husband on their wedding night – to Bow Street for interrogation and arrest.
Nothing is ever as simple as it appears and this arrest certainly isn’t. With mobs in the street calling for Juliana’s blood, Ash must get her to a place of safety – and Bow Street might not even be that place. Oddly enough, as Ash interviews the young woman, he begins to believe that she might not have done it. If she didn’t do it, who did? Why didn’t she awake while her husband was being murdered? If he can figure out who actually did it, can he prove it?
There is a new criminal mastermind in London. Known as the Raven, he has great ambitions. He’s already very powerful and has begun combining all of the different gangs under one umbrella. Ash comes to believe that the Raven is somehow involved in Godfrey’s murder, but can find absolutely no clues to definitely show that is the case. As the case moves along, there is another murder. A witness is killed in Ash’s own garden. That is much too close to home.
The mystery is exciting, suspenseful, and well developed. When you add the dastardly machinations of Juliana’s parents and the manipulations of the Raven to the evidence in the murder, you have to wonder how Juliana will ever prove her innocence.
I adored Ash and Juliana. They made a marvelous working team – especially with Juliana’s keen observational skills. I really look forward to watching them work together in solving future cases – and in life itself. Juliana’s growth just in this one book was exceptional and I cannot wait to see where she goes from here.
November 17, 2021
Mystery with a dash, just a tiny once of romance. I read the 2nd in the series as a ARC and liked it so much that I requested my library order both. The first 2/3's of this was laying out the basics of the characters. It was good but I thought the last 1/3 was much more enjoyable and had had more action and plot movement. I rate it 3.5* I recommend book 2 and look forward to the series.
May 16, 2021
I was all prepared to give this historical mystery by (supposedly) new-to-me author L.C. Sharp three stars until I saw the copyright page with the name Lynne Connolly as copyrighted author. If L.C.Sharp had been a new debut author she would have received the benefit of the doubt from me about the many niggles in this book. But I won't forgive them from an established author like Connolly.
This should have been good in a dark and twisted way. A man who needs to physically abuse his sexual partners to derive pleasure from the act. A bloody, mysterious death. An H and h who suffered emotional abuse in their childhoods, with unloving, cold parents. A look at the seamier and deviant side of the demimonde and the crime world.
Yet the writing left something to be desired. While reading, I was detached from everything. No visceral punches. With such strong subject matter I should have felt something. But no, I was detached from the characters and from the relative darkness of the story's premise.
Nor was the writing to my taste. It lacked the sophistication and skill needed to deal with this plot. Instead, the story deteriorated into silly time spent on fashion and makeup or ridiculous and useless outings of H and h to investigate the murder. And the endless ruminations of both MCs, going over and over their suppositions about the crime and the innocence (or not) of the heroine. And while it was obvious that we readers were supposed to appreciate the personal growth of the heroine, who changed from spineless, useless daughter who did everything her parents told her to a woman with more agency, I found her more annoying than admirable.
There were some interesting bits about Bow Street and the Fielding brothers, the Duke of Newcastle, and other references to the historical Georgian setting but, again, the writing style prevented my full enjoyment. In addition, exposition of the the plot was excessively slow and repetitive. As a mystery this did not satisfy. Too simplistic. It could have been resolved much more quickly, with much less clumsiness on the part of the characters, and with less reiteration of the plot points. I got everything the first time it was mentioned. No need for so much restatement. This made for a boring, slow read. Instead of tense and suspenseful, this was exasperating.
This should have been good in a dark and twisted way. A man who needs to physically abuse his sexual partners to derive pleasure from the act. A bloody, mysterious death. An H and h who suffered emotional abuse in their childhoods, with unloving, cold parents. A look at the seamier and deviant side of the demimonde and the crime world.
Yet the writing left something to be desired. While reading, I was detached from everything. No visceral punches. With such strong subject matter I should have felt something. But no, I was detached from the characters and from the relative darkness of the story's premise.
Nor was the writing to my taste. It lacked the sophistication and skill needed to deal with this plot. Instead, the story deteriorated into silly time spent on fashion and makeup or ridiculous and useless outings of H and h to investigate the murder. And the endless ruminations of both MCs, going over and over their suppositions about the crime and the innocence (or not) of the heroine. And while it was obvious that we readers were supposed to appreciate the personal growth of the heroine, who changed from spineless, useless daughter who did everything her parents told her to a woman with more agency, I found her more annoying than admirable.
There were some interesting bits about Bow Street and the Fielding brothers, the Duke of Newcastle, and other references to the historical Georgian setting but, again, the writing style prevented my full enjoyment. In addition, exposition of the the plot was excessively slow and repetitive. As a mystery this did not satisfy. Too simplistic. It could have been resolved much more quickly, with much less clumsiness on the part of the characters, and with less reiteration of the plot points. I got everything the first time it was mentioned. No need for so much restatement. This made for a boring, slow read. Instead of tense and suspenseful, this was exasperating.
May 3, 2021
With a shocking, horrific start, this murder mystery grabs the attention from the start and keeps it through the end. I liked how this was set in the mid 18th century, when most historical mysteries are Regency or later. The story feels like it took careful consideration of the time and place, which I appreciated.
The heroine Juliana has had the worst wedding night imaginable to wake up to a dead husband, and she is suspect number 1. Due to her rank and family influence, she is allowed to be kept under guarantee of her lawyer, Ashendon, rather than a Newgate cell. Juliana and Ash make a good team in investigations, and they work to find the true murderer. There is a number of interesting characters and an intriguing world built that is hook for future books.
If looking for romance, there is not much here, but there’s some potential in future books. There is an obvious preference between Juliana and Ash, but Juliana’s experiences at the beginning of the story leave her scared of future intimacies.
Overall, I thought this was an enjoyable and intriguing first book of a historical mystery series. I would recommend if you like mysteries and the Georgian time period.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a chance to read and review this book. Views are my own.
The heroine Juliana has had the worst wedding night imaginable to wake up to a dead husband, and she is suspect number 1. Due to her rank and family influence, she is allowed to be kept under guarantee of her lawyer, Ashendon, rather than a Newgate cell. Juliana and Ash make a good team in investigations, and they work to find the true murderer. There is a number of interesting characters and an intriguing world built that is hook for future books.
If looking for romance, there is not much here, but there’s some potential in future books. There is an obvious preference between Juliana and Ash, but Juliana’s experiences at the beginning of the story leave her scared of future intimacies.
Overall, I thought this was an enjoyable and intriguing first book of a historical mystery series. I would recommend if you like mysteries and the Georgian time period.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a chance to read and review this book. Views are my own.
September 6, 2021
This reminded me of Deanna Raybourn's Lady Julia series.
As in that one the heroine here is accused of murder and the hero helps her proving her innocence.
Still I liked it, even if both MCs were slow in getting the clues.
As in that one the heroine here is accused of murder and the hero helps her proving her innocence.
Still I liked it, even if both MCs were slow in getting the clues.
May 10, 2021
Murder refined!
An interesting combination of murder and an enforced marriage during Regency times. It’s 1796 and Heiress Lady Juliana Uppingham has been married off to a swine of a man. The morning after her wedding she wakes to her husband’s dead body beside her with his blood pooling around them both.
Sir Edmund Ashdowne, baronet, works out of Bow Street for the Fielding Brothers as a criminal lawyer. Juliana’s father the Earl of Hawksworth wants someone close to aristocracy to undertake the investigation. That’s Ashdowne. The plot charts its way through rather murky waters until the truth outs. It includes an underworld figure, the Raven, who’s working on binding various gangs together. The Fieldings see Raven as a major threat to the community and to the prevalence of law and order.
Ash is concerned with Justice. He doesn’t want Juliana’s elevated place in society to mitigate her being brought to answer for her actions—that is until he meets Juliana, and uncovers more about her life and her husband.
The story throws into relief the reality of children being coinage at many levels of society.
Violence and sexual abuse in marriage could be an unlocked for trigger for some readers.
It’s intriguing to see Juliana’s transformation from being the “white faced-marionette [she’s] depicted in caricatures as,” to becoming a person with her own voice.
A torrid tale of the pursuit of truth at odds with the clamouring of the mob. Indeed these scenes were chilling.
The Raven is in the background, a chilling undercurrent that rolls along, sometimes to the fore, always there. And the puzzle around Silence, Ash’s sister, is another beguiling story to be told, I’m sure.
An introductory treat to the pen of a new historical romance novelist
I’m looking forward to the next in the series.
A Harlequin - Carina Press ARC via NetGalley
Please note: Quotes taken from an advanced reading copy maybe subject to change
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
An interesting combination of murder and an enforced marriage during Regency times. It’s 1796 and Heiress Lady Juliana Uppingham has been married off to a swine of a man. The morning after her wedding she wakes to her husband’s dead body beside her with his blood pooling around them both.
Sir Edmund Ashdowne, baronet, works out of Bow Street for the Fielding Brothers as a criminal lawyer. Juliana’s father the Earl of Hawksworth wants someone close to aristocracy to undertake the investigation. That’s Ashdowne. The plot charts its way through rather murky waters until the truth outs. It includes an underworld figure, the Raven, who’s working on binding various gangs together. The Fieldings see Raven as a major threat to the community and to the prevalence of law and order.
Ash is concerned with Justice. He doesn’t want Juliana’s elevated place in society to mitigate her being brought to answer for her actions—that is until he meets Juliana, and uncovers more about her life and her husband.
The story throws into relief the reality of children being coinage at many levels of society.
Violence and sexual abuse in marriage could be an unlocked for trigger for some readers.
It’s intriguing to see Juliana’s transformation from being the “white faced-marionette [she’s] depicted in caricatures as,” to becoming a person with her own voice.
A torrid tale of the pursuit of truth at odds with the clamouring of the mob. Indeed these scenes were chilling.
The Raven is in the background, a chilling undercurrent that rolls along, sometimes to the fore, always there. And the puzzle around Silence, Ash’s sister, is another beguiling story to be told, I’m sure.
An introductory treat to the pen of a new historical romance novelist
I’m looking forward to the next in the series.
A Harlequin - Carina Press ARC via NetGalley
Please note: Quotes taken from an advanced reading copy maybe subject to change
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
May 9, 2021
The year is 1748, and Lady Juliana Uppingham awakens in a pool of blood, with no memory of how her new husband ended up dead beside her. Her distaste for her betrothed was no secret, but even so, Juliana couldn’t possibly have killed him - could she?
Juliana’s only hope is Sir Edmund Ashendon, a dashing baronet with a knack for solving seemingly unsolvable crimes—and a reputation for trouble. A man as comfortable in the rookeries of St. Giles as he is in the royal court, Ash believes Juliana is innocent, though all signs point to her as the killer. He doesn’t expect to develop a soft spot for the spirited widow, one that only grows when escalating threats against Juliana force Ash to shelter her in his home. When another body is found, it becomes clear that Juliana has been dragged into something much, much bigger than simply her husband’s murder. With a collection of deadly black-tipped feathers as their sole clue and a date at the end of a hangman’s noose looming, they’ll have to find the real killer—before it’s too late.
A new author & I was intrigued by this book, it start at a run & the pace didn’t slow. I loved the mystery & the developing feelings & chemistry between Ash & Juliana. There were twists and turns which all added to my enjoyment. I loved Ash with his analytical mind who wasn’t afraid to involve Juliana in everything. I didn't warm to Juliana but I think that was because she was still recovering from the abuse. A well written historical murder mystery with just a dash of burgeoning romance, it held my interest all the way through & I look forward to more books in the series to see where the relationship goes
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Juliana’s only hope is Sir Edmund Ashendon, a dashing baronet with a knack for solving seemingly unsolvable crimes—and a reputation for trouble. A man as comfortable in the rookeries of St. Giles as he is in the royal court, Ash believes Juliana is innocent, though all signs point to her as the killer. He doesn’t expect to develop a soft spot for the spirited widow, one that only grows when escalating threats against Juliana force Ash to shelter her in his home. When another body is found, it becomes clear that Juliana has been dragged into something much, much bigger than simply her husband’s murder. With a collection of deadly black-tipped feathers as their sole clue and a date at the end of a hangman’s noose looming, they’ll have to find the real killer—before it’s too late.
A new author & I was intrigued by this book, it start at a run & the pace didn’t slow. I loved the mystery & the developing feelings & chemistry between Ash & Juliana. There were twists and turns which all added to my enjoyment. I loved Ash with his analytical mind who wasn’t afraid to involve Juliana in everything. I didn't warm to Juliana but I think that was because she was still recovering from the abuse. A well written historical murder mystery with just a dash of burgeoning romance, it held my interest all the way through & I look forward to more books in the series to see where the relationship goes
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
June 15, 2021
The Wedding Night Affair by L.C. Sharp
Ash & Juliana #1
Splendid story! I couldn’t put it down and can’t wait for the next book to appear!
What I liked:
* Juliana: strong, abused, accused of murder on her wedding night, a woman wronged so many times and yet I believe she may come out okay.
* Ash: brilliant, loves his family, lawyer, has a backstory and family issues nobody should have to face. I am hoping his life will come right as the series progresses.
* The setting, writing and plot
* That I was drawn in from page one and compelled to continue reading
* That it all seemed believable
* There was no sugar coating of horrible events and situations
* Ash’s understanding
* That good overcame evil…at least where it truly counted
* That there is so much potential for this series
* The supporting characters
* The dialogue and interactions all were pertinent and real
* The siblings of Ash and their backstories - hope to see more of them in the future
* All of it except…
What I didn’t like:
* What happened on Juliana’s wedding night
* The parents of both Ash and Juliana
* That we will have to wait for the next book
Did I enjoy this book? Definitely
Would I read more in this series? Without a doubt!
Thank you to NetGalley and Carina Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
Ash & Juliana #1
Splendid story! I couldn’t put it down and can’t wait for the next book to appear!
What I liked:
* Juliana: strong, abused, accused of murder on her wedding night, a woman wronged so many times and yet I believe she may come out okay.
* Ash: brilliant, loves his family, lawyer, has a backstory and family issues nobody should have to face. I am hoping his life will come right as the series progresses.
* The setting, writing and plot
* That I was drawn in from page one and compelled to continue reading
* That it all seemed believable
* There was no sugar coating of horrible events and situations
* Ash’s understanding
* That good overcame evil…at least where it truly counted
* That there is so much potential for this series
* The supporting characters
* The dialogue and interactions all were pertinent and real
* The siblings of Ash and their backstories - hope to see more of them in the future
* All of it except…
What I didn’t like:
* What happened on Juliana’s wedding night
* The parents of both Ash and Juliana
* That we will have to wait for the next book
Did I enjoy this book? Definitely
Would I read more in this series? Without a doubt!
Thank you to NetGalley and Carina Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
April 30, 2021
I have received an ARC of this book by NetGalley, and Carina Press and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review. The Pub date of the book is May 11th. This review will be posted on my Goodreads, Facebook page and Instagram.
This story I had a lot of mixed feelings. I read the book in a single day because I was curious and interested, but at the same time I expected a little more. I went with high expectations and I ended up realizing that it was not quite what I had imagined. The title was also not an aid to this perception.
I do not mean by this that the book is bad or that the story it’s not good, just that in my opinion, it was a more complicated book to read than expected.
Starting with first chapter, the scene in which we found out what happened to Juliana on the wedding night and we didn’t need many descriptions to imagine the horror; and what that ended up contributing to the rest of the book and the building of her character. Only at the end did I realize that it would be a story for more books and maybe it was only there that my opinion improved a little bit, but I confess, that Juliana was not one of my favorite heroines, but I understand and felt immensely sad what she went through and the things that she was submitted, both by her family and husband and the society.
As for Ash, I really liked him, the way he thinks and observes the mystery of a case - like the murder - and how he takes his work and his life. I loved the family atmosphere in his house, and I was incredibly sad to discover the past had been nothing like that. And those names? Jesus! Mothers in this book!
Another thing that did not work for me was the little chemistry between the two main characters. I understand that because of the situation that Juliana went through and, I don't want to look insensitive with this, but it ended up losing a bit of my enthusiasm when I realized what their relationship would be like until the end of the book.
Of course, with the next ones, I will want to see the evolution and how their history will develop and the mysteries that are approaching. But still, I expected a little more. It may just be a nuisance of mine and having come with more expectations, but for this book I cannot give more than 3 stars. I want to read the next ones, so I can see what the path and destiny of our heroes will be, both the main and the secondary ones; and discover all the mysteries.
This story I had a lot of mixed feelings. I read the book in a single day because I was curious and interested, but at the same time I expected a little more. I went with high expectations and I ended up realizing that it was not quite what I had imagined. The title was also not an aid to this perception.
I do not mean by this that the book is bad or that the story it’s not good, just that in my opinion, it was a more complicated book to read than expected.
Starting with first chapter, the scene in which we found out what happened to Juliana on the wedding night and we didn’t need many descriptions to imagine the horror; and what that ended up contributing to the rest of the book and the building of her character. Only at the end did I realize that it would be a story for more books and maybe it was only there that my opinion improved a little bit, but I confess, that Juliana was not one of my favorite heroines, but I understand and felt immensely sad what she went through and the things that she was submitted, both by her family and husband and the society.
As for Ash, I really liked him, the way he thinks and observes the mystery of a case - like the murder - and how he takes his work and his life. I loved the family atmosphere in his house, and I was incredibly sad to discover the past had been nothing like that. And those names? Jesus! Mothers in this book!
Another thing that did not work for me was the little chemistry between the two main characters. I understand that because of the situation that Juliana went through and, I don't want to look insensitive with this, but it ended up losing a bit of my enthusiasm when I realized what their relationship would be like until the end of the book.
Of course, with the next ones, I will want to see the evolution and how their history will develop and the mysteries that are approaching. But still, I expected a little more. It may just be a nuisance of mine and having come with more expectations, but for this book I cannot give more than 3 stars. I want to read the next ones, so I can see what the path and destiny of our heroes will be, both the main and the secondary ones; and discover all the mysteries.
May 12, 2021
I understand this to be a new pen name for historical romance author Lynne Connolly and I’m not surprised; Connolly knows the early-Georgian period better than almost any other histrom author I’ve ever read, and that knowledge of the period really comes across here and makes the story feel completely authentic. For a mystery series there’s a strong thread of romance in it too, but don’t be expecting steamy sex scenes, as those are absent. Indeed, the book opens right after heroine Julianna’s appallingly violent and brutal wedding night… which was a lot more violent and brutal than even she realised, since her new husband is dead beside her, stabbed through the heart.
Sir Edmund Ashenden (Ash) is a lawyer who assists the investigators of Bow Street on occasion, and this is definitely a case of interest, since Lady Julianna is one of the peerage. On meeting her, he realises almost immediately that he doesn’t think she did it… even if she clearly had cause. Determined to prove her innocence, he takes her case and the pair of them start investigating, following leads into London’s seedy underbelly.
Julianna and Ash are both from awful family backgrounds, though very different ones; Ash has a large group of living, and loving, siblings whereas Julianna is an only child. Ash’s parents were abusive but are now gone; Julianna spends much of the book trying to escape the control of hers. I feel like the shared struggles they face will make for a tight bond, and Ash understands Julianna better than someone who had grown up with loving parents ever could, and will give her the space she needs to get past the awful abuse she has suffered. I’ll be interested to see how their romance progresses in book 2, since they’ll actually be married in that one.
About the only thing I didn’t like here was the actual capture of the murderer. Yes, it completes the setting up of underworld boss The Raven as a series protagonist, but it also removed any real sense of triumph for Ash and Julianna and I think it was a mistake not to let them ‘solve’ the crime themselves.
Even with that quibble, however, I did genuinely love this and I will absolutely be looking for the next book in the series. Be prepared for potential triggers for sexual violence, but if you like historical mystery with a heavy side of romance - it’s almost historical romantic suspense - I think you’ll really enjoy this. Five stars.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via NetGalley.
Sir Edmund Ashenden (Ash) is a lawyer who assists the investigators of Bow Street on occasion, and this is definitely a case of interest, since Lady Julianna is one of the peerage. On meeting her, he realises almost immediately that he doesn’t think she did it… even if she clearly had cause. Determined to prove her innocence, he takes her case and the pair of them start investigating, following leads into London’s seedy underbelly.
Julianna and Ash are both from awful family backgrounds, though very different ones; Ash has a large group of living, and loving, siblings whereas Julianna is an only child. Ash’s parents were abusive but are now gone; Julianna spends much of the book trying to escape the control of hers. I feel like the shared struggles they face will make for a tight bond, and Ash understands Julianna better than someone who had grown up with loving parents ever could, and will give her the space she needs to get past the awful abuse she has suffered. I’ll be interested to see how their romance progresses in book 2, since they’ll actually be married in that one.
About the only thing I didn’t like here was the actual capture of the murderer. Yes, it completes the setting up of underworld boss The Raven as a series protagonist, but it also removed any real sense of triumph for Ash and Julianna and I think it was a mistake not to let them ‘solve’ the crime themselves.
Even with that quibble, however, I did genuinely love this and I will absolutely be looking for the next book in the series. Be prepared for potential triggers for sexual violence, but if you like historical mystery with a heavy side of romance - it’s almost historical romantic suspense - I think you’ll really enjoy this. Five stars.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via NetGalley.
August 15, 2021
Wow-what a read. I usually only read ARCs but after reading the next book in the series “The sign of the Raven” I had to go back and buy this book. It kept me hooked from the very first page. This book dealt with the seedier side of life but was done with taste and finesse. The characters were wonderfully portrayed with feeling and understanding. The plot was well written and flowed well with a great insight into the period. It would have to be one of my favourite reads for some time. I would put this book up there with C S Harris and look forward to reading many more in the series I hope. Even though this story was based on sex there was none in it and the events were very respectably and thoughtfully written even though the descriptions left you in no doubt as to the magnitude of the situation the characters each found themselves in.
Read
April 29, 2021Heat Factor: One kiss
Character Chemistry: Solid
Plot: Juliana wakes up after her (traumatizing) wedding night in a pool of her husband’s blood. Naturally, she is the prime suspect. She enlists the help of lawyer/investigator Ash to save herself from the gallows.
*Content Warning for violent sexual assault before the book opens. It’s never described, but it is frequently referred to, and enough details are included throughout the text for the reader to get a pretty good idea of how bad it was.
Overall: Disappointing
The opening sequence, where a woman rolls over to discover a dead body in her bed, might be a cliché, but it’s a classic for a reason. The setup is engaging! We’re immediately plunged into mystery and intrigue, and of course our heroine is the prime suspect who must clear her name. Enter our hero, Ash, who is initially sent to ensure that Lady Juliana doesn’t evade justice because of her status, but quickly comes to believe that even if she killed her husband, she probably had good reason, and therefore doesn’t deserve to hang. Ash offers to serve as her guarantor (read: polite word for jailor), and Juliana moves into his home and the two of them work together to solve the case.
So that’s the premise. Let’s talk about execution.
I loved the attention to history. In Sharp’s hands, Georgian England feels very foreign. For example, Juliana is unbothered by being seen naked by others, because as a lord’s daughter, part of her “job” is appearing en déshabille when people come to call—but God forbid she be seen without her face painted and hair powdered. Or the scene where a mob surrounds Juliana’s father’s house, clearly planning on some extrajudicial justice, and everyone is pretty unconcerned about the impending riot, as if they were a regular occurrence.
I also thought the romance here was decent. It’s a slow burn that is clearly setting Juliana and Ash up as partners in solving crime and in the bedroom—in subsequent books. With that said, the pacing of the romance was decent, and I did appreciate that there was no sex, given that Juliana spends the entire book processing how deeply disturbing her wedding night was. The book ends with Julina and Ash with a solid partnership and burgeoning friendship and maybe a hint of sparks between them, which is absolutely enough for a series opener, as long as you're not expecting a full standalone love story.
Sadly, there was a lot more that didn’t work for me than did.
The first is a personal pet peeve of mine: I hate it when the heroine has always been a doormat, but in the first chapter of the book, decides that she’s going to stand up for herself from now on. (See Marrying Winterborne for a particularly egregious example of this dynamic.) And then throughout the book, thinks things like, “No, I will not let myself be shunted aside like I always was before.” I don’t mind a growth arc from quiet and acquiescent to boldly claiming her own life; I would just rather see it play out as the story progresses.
More important is that the mystery is poorly plotted. It’s not that interesting or mysterious, includes some lack of clarity on the villain’s interest in Juliana (she’s an heiress whose son will inherit her father’s title, but what does that have to do with killing her husband?), and for which the solution kind of comes out of nowhere.
And finally: this book would have benefited from a better copy editor, who had noticed things like Ash’s informant telling him that “The Raven” was behind things right before the author states that neither Ash nor his informant say the the winged one’s name because the walls have ears.
Am I nit-picky? Maybe. But murder mysteries really need to be tightly written, and this one wasn’t quite there.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. We disclose this in accordance with 16 CFR §255.
This review is also available at The Smut Report.
Character Chemistry: Solid
Plot: Juliana wakes up after her (traumatizing) wedding night in a pool of her husband’s blood. Naturally, she is the prime suspect. She enlists the help of lawyer/investigator Ash to save herself from the gallows.
*Content Warning for violent sexual assault before the book opens. It’s never described, but it is frequently referred to, and enough details are included throughout the text for the reader to get a pretty good idea of how bad it was.
Overall: Disappointing
The opening sequence, where a woman rolls over to discover a dead body in her bed, might be a cliché, but it’s a classic for a reason. The setup is engaging! We’re immediately plunged into mystery and intrigue, and of course our heroine is the prime suspect who must clear her name. Enter our hero, Ash, who is initially sent to ensure that Lady Juliana doesn’t evade justice because of her status, but quickly comes to believe that even if she killed her husband, she probably had good reason, and therefore doesn’t deserve to hang. Ash offers to serve as her guarantor (read: polite word for jailor), and Juliana moves into his home and the two of them work together to solve the case.
So that’s the premise. Let’s talk about execution.
I loved the attention to history. In Sharp’s hands, Georgian England feels very foreign. For example, Juliana is unbothered by being seen naked by others, because as a lord’s daughter, part of her “job” is appearing en déshabille when people come to call—but God forbid she be seen without her face painted and hair powdered. Or the scene where a mob surrounds Juliana’s father’s house, clearly planning on some extrajudicial justice, and everyone is pretty unconcerned about the impending riot, as if they were a regular occurrence.
I also thought the romance here was decent. It’s a slow burn that is clearly setting Juliana and Ash up as partners in solving crime and in the bedroom—in subsequent books. With that said, the pacing of the romance was decent, and I did appreciate that there was no sex, given that Juliana spends the entire book processing how deeply disturbing her wedding night was. The book ends with Julina and Ash with a solid partnership and burgeoning friendship and maybe a hint of sparks between them, which is absolutely enough for a series opener, as long as you're not expecting a full standalone love story.
Sadly, there was a lot more that didn’t work for me than did.
The first is a personal pet peeve of mine: I hate it when the heroine has always been a doormat, but in the first chapter of the book, decides that she’s going to stand up for herself from now on. (See Marrying Winterborne for a particularly egregious example of this dynamic.) And then throughout the book, thinks things like, “No, I will not let myself be shunted aside like I always was before.” I don’t mind a growth arc from quiet and acquiescent to boldly claiming her own life; I would just rather see it play out as the story progresses.
More important is that the mystery is poorly plotted. It’s not that interesting or mysterious, includes some lack of clarity on the villain’s interest in Juliana (she’s an heiress whose son will inherit her father’s title, but what does that have to do with killing her husband?), and for which the solution kind of comes out of nowhere.
And finally: this book would have benefited from a better copy editor, who had noticed things like Ash’s informant telling him that “The Raven” was behind things right before the author states that neither Ash nor his informant say the the winged one’s name because the walls have ears.
Am I nit-picky? Maybe. But murder mysteries really need to be tightly written, and this one wasn’t quite there.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. We disclose this in accordance with 16 CFR §255.
This review is also available at The Smut Report.
July 10, 2021
I received an ARC of this book to read through NetGalley. All opinions are my own. The Wedding Night Affair is the first book in L.C. Sharp’s Georgian era historical mystery series Ash and Juliana. Juliana Uppingham was sold into marriage to cement her father's ambitions. Her new husband brutally raped her on their wedding night, and she awoke the next morning covered in his blood with few coherent memories of the previous night and not sure if she was the one that stabbed him in the heart. Baronet Sir Edmond Ashendon agrees to take her case, and together they work to solve the mystery before time runs out for Juliana. I enjoyed the progression of Juliana’s character from a shy doll to a strong woman and as well the romance that develops between Ash and Juliana. Publishing Date: May 11, 2021. #TheWeddingNightAffair #LCSharp #CarinaPress #HarlequinRomance #HistoricalRomance #HistoricalMystery #HistoricalRomanceSeries #HistoricalMysterySeries #bookstagram #bookstagrammer
April 22, 2021
1748 Obedient Lady Juliana Christianson, heiress, only child of the Earl of Hawksworth has married Godfrey, the second son of the Marquees of Urmston. After a horrendous wedding night she wakes up to discover her husband dead, stabbed and herself accused of his murder.
Sir Edmund Ashendon, criminal lawyer takes her case on. Juliana changes overnight from a 'pampered princess' to taking part in the investigation! But does the criminal known as The Raven have any involvement in the killing.
Overall an enjoyable enough story though not a complex mystery.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Sir Edmund Ashendon, criminal lawyer takes her case on. Juliana changes overnight from a 'pampered princess' to taking part in the investigation! But does the criminal known as The Raven have any involvement in the killing.
Overall an enjoyable enough story though not a complex mystery.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 28, 2021
My first story by this author under any of her pen names and I greatly enjoyed both the writing style and attention to detail. This story is full of mystery and set in a Georgian London with nobility and commoners being forced to interact. Several plots occurring simultaneously throughout the story and the author has woven them together to create a story that is multifaceted. I highly enjoyed the story and can’t wait to start book two to see what clues are found about “The Raven” and watch Ash and Juliana’s story evolve.
4 Stars ⭐️
4 Stars ⭐️
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May 1, 2021Categories
Historical Romance, Mystery, Mystery Romance, Regency, Historical Mystery & Detective Fiction, Romantic Suspense, Regency Romance
Miniseries
Ash & Juliana (Book #1)
Historical Romance, Mystery, Mystery Romance, Regency, Historical Mystery & Detective Fiction, Romantic Suspense, Regency Romance
Miniseries
Ash & Juliana (Book #1)
May 9, 2021
🗡The Wedding Night Affair 🗡
An Historical Mystery
Ash & Juliana Series #1
✒️ L.C. Sharp
https://lcsharp.com/
Release Date 05/11/2021
Publisher Carina Press
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08K3GGSZD/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
An unlikely pair explores the darkest corners of London society in this thrilling historical mystery.
The year is 1748, and Lady Juliana Uppingham awakens in a pool of blood, with no memory of how her new husband ended up dead beside her. Her distaste for her betrothed was no secret, but even so, Juliana couldn’t possibly have killed him…could she?
Juliana’s only hope is Sir Edmund Ashendon, a dashing baronet with a knack for solving seemingly unsolvable crimes—and a reputation for trouble. A man as comfortable in the rookeries of St. Giles as he is in the royal court, Ash believes Juliana is innocent, though all signs point to her as the killer. He doesn’t expect to develop a soft spot for the spirited widow, one that only grows when escalating threats against Juliana force Ash to shelter her in his home.
When another body is found, it becomes clear that Juliana has been dragged into something much, much bigger than simply her husband’s murder. With a collection of deadly black-tipped feathers as their sole clue and a date at the end of a hangman’s noose looming, they’ll have to find the real killer—before it’s too late.
𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will clearing her name set her truly free ...
I confess I decided to read this book because I thought it would be a romance, but it is not, it has the premise of one but it will be probably more prominent in the next book. After historical mystery is my second favorite category after romance, so the switch of classification did not really bothered me, even more as the words flowed easily and the narrative unfolded smoothly.
Be warned the heroine survived a traumatic “wedding night”, if not to say a gruesome experience at the hands of her now deceased husband, which can only be called rape and awful abuse inflicted by the one man who should have protected her.
So of course a romance is difficult to envision after such a horrific hardship as it has left deep wounds in the heroine’s psyche.
Juliana until the morning after her wedding was the perfect obedient prim and proper daughter, so much she endured a ghastly night at the vicious hand of her husband. Yet when she awakens with her spouse now dead, stabbed during the same night, all the shouts and screams point toward her.
From here her trial continue, as while free from the violent man she should have to call husband, she is the prime suspect of his demise.
This is a fast-paced tale, and while it does not spare us the cruel details of her plight, it also paints the portrait of what women were to endure because of their total absence of rights.
Juliana is one of them but circumstances despite putting her life in the balance also offer her a second chance, one to get out from her gilded cage. She demonstrates her resilience and willpower by becoming an active party in the investigation to clear her name.
She also get to learn who she is, really away for all the paints and powders that used to mask herself from the world. She is like a blank skate to rewrite.
Ash too is far more complex than the easy jovial fellow he is presented as. He harbors secrets and his soul hide dark shadows. He is a man for justice, even when the case appears easy, he looks into details and reaches after what looks like nothing to determine the right from the false. And as a man of honor, once he gave his words, they are like tattooed in stone.
This book is the story of their encounter, of the first spark between them but the same case which brought them together is also what hold them back as Juliana needs time to recover and bring back the pieces of herself that had been shattered by her last parents’ betrayal.
5 stars
I can not wait for the next installment as I want to see how their relationship will evolve over time.
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 non but 𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗴𝗲𝗿 talk of abuses and sexual assaults.
I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher Carina Press, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
An Historical Mystery
Ash & Juliana Series #1
✒️ L.C. Sharp
https://lcsharp.com/
Release Date 05/11/2021
Publisher Carina Press
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08K3GGSZD/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
An unlikely pair explores the darkest corners of London society in this thrilling historical mystery.
The year is 1748, and Lady Juliana Uppingham awakens in a pool of blood, with no memory of how her new husband ended up dead beside her. Her distaste for her betrothed was no secret, but even so, Juliana couldn’t possibly have killed him…could she?
Juliana’s only hope is Sir Edmund Ashendon, a dashing baronet with a knack for solving seemingly unsolvable crimes—and a reputation for trouble. A man as comfortable in the rookeries of St. Giles as he is in the royal court, Ash believes Juliana is innocent, though all signs point to her as the killer. He doesn’t expect to develop a soft spot for the spirited widow, one that only grows when escalating threats against Juliana force Ash to shelter her in his home.
When another body is found, it becomes clear that Juliana has been dragged into something much, much bigger than simply her husband’s murder. With a collection of deadly black-tipped feathers as their sole clue and a date at the end of a hangman’s noose looming, they’ll have to find the real killer—before it’s too late.
𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will clearing her name set her truly free ...
I confess I decided to read this book because I thought it would be a romance, but it is not, it has the premise of one but it will be probably more prominent in the next book. After historical mystery is my second favorite category after romance, so the switch of classification did not really bothered me, even more as the words flowed easily and the narrative unfolded smoothly.
Be warned the heroine survived a traumatic “wedding night”, if not to say a gruesome experience at the hands of her now deceased husband, which can only be called rape and awful abuse inflicted by the one man who should have protected her.
So of course a romance is difficult to envision after such a horrific hardship as it has left deep wounds in the heroine’s psyche.
Juliana until the morning after her wedding was the perfect obedient prim and proper daughter, so much she endured a ghastly night at the vicious hand of her husband. Yet when she awakens with her spouse now dead, stabbed during the same night, all the shouts and screams point toward her.
From here her trial continue, as while free from the violent man she should have to call husband, she is the prime suspect of his demise.
This is a fast-paced tale, and while it does not spare us the cruel details of her plight, it also paints the portrait of what women were to endure because of their total absence of rights.
Juliana is one of them but circumstances despite putting her life in the balance also offer her a second chance, one to get out from her gilded cage. She demonstrates her resilience and willpower by becoming an active party in the investigation to clear her name.
She also get to learn who she is, really away for all the paints and powders that used to mask herself from the world. She is like a blank skate to rewrite.
Ash too is far more complex than the easy jovial fellow he is presented as. He harbors secrets and his soul hide dark shadows. He is a man for justice, even when the case appears easy, he looks into details and reaches after what looks like nothing to determine the right from the false. And as a man of honor, once he gave his words, they are like tattooed in stone.
This book is the story of their encounter, of the first spark between them but the same case which brought them together is also what hold them back as Juliana needs time to recover and bring back the pieces of herself that had been shattered by her last parents’ betrayal.
5 stars
I can not wait for the next installment as I want to see how their relationship will evolve over time.
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 non but 𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗴𝗲𝗿 talk of abuses and sexual assaults.
I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher Carina Press, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
May 3, 2021
This was a truly fascinating story, and although it was a very difficult book to read, for reasons I will get to at the end (see my trigger warning), I thought the author did a wonderful job showing a side of mid-18th century England that I hadn't seen before. The heroine is a woman of wealth and status, while the hero is a baronet and lawyer who seeks justice for all, regardless of station or circumstance. Their lives were so different up to the point where they met, and the stark contrast between the two were evident throughout the book. I loved the heroine's transformation as she was able to shed the confines of her former status in life. My one issue with the book is petty but something that I think caused me to be unprepared for the utter devastation that was the first chapter - the title. It doesn't quite convey the gravity and horror that was inflicted on the heroine, and I would have wished for the book to be given a title it deserves. Something that reflects the story within. It's really minor but still, I thought I would mention it.
Lady Juliana Uppingham never expected her wedding night to be so violent - in more ways than one. After a night of particular devastation, she awakens to find herself in a pool of blood, with her new husband dead at her side. The house is immediately roused, Juliana is accused of the deed, and she is whisked off to her parents' home until her fate is determined. Sir Edmund Ashendon is told to retrieve her, so she can face justice for her crime, but upon entering her home and speaking with her, he realizes that an even more grave injustice has been done to Juliana than what is seen on the surface. Taking her to his home for safekeeping until a trial is set, they work together to determine who could have killed her husband. And when someone else dies, it's clear Juliana's life is in danger. They have to work fast to prove her innocence before her life is taken from her, either by the killer or by the hangman's noose.
Poor Juliana, I felt completely at a loss on her behalf. First, she is given away in marriage by greedy parents who knew of her husband's proclivities and chose to give their daughter to him anyway. Then her absolutely dreadful wedding night, which is where my trigger warning comes in (major sexual abuse here, and while not overly graphic, it's also not subtle either). And after she is mercifully relieved of her husband, she is accused of murder and even her parents think she did it. It's disgusting how she is treated, and I was so glad she had Ash there for her. His family is such a contrast to her own, and I was glad that she could experience what a loving family could be like. He was obviously a devoted brother and had a generous heart, and he shared that with Juliana when she needed it most. He didn't have to, but he recognized her need for comfort and kindness. They were a sweet pairing, and given their circumstances, while no intimacy was portrayed on-page, I still felt their love shine through.
This is just the first book in Ash and Juliana's journey, and I'm excited to see where their relationship goes from here. It was truly an enjoyable read, and I looking forward to the next book!
**I received a free copy via NetGalley and this is my honest review.**
Lady Juliana Uppingham never expected her wedding night to be so violent - in more ways than one. After a night of particular devastation, she awakens to find herself in a pool of blood, with her new husband dead at her side. The house is immediately roused, Juliana is accused of the deed, and she is whisked off to her parents' home until her fate is determined. Sir Edmund Ashendon is told to retrieve her, so she can face justice for her crime, but upon entering her home and speaking with her, he realizes that an even more grave injustice has been done to Juliana than what is seen on the surface. Taking her to his home for safekeeping until a trial is set, they work together to determine who could have killed her husband. And when someone else dies, it's clear Juliana's life is in danger. They have to work fast to prove her innocence before her life is taken from her, either by the killer or by the hangman's noose.
Poor Juliana, I felt completely at a loss on her behalf. First, she is given away in marriage by greedy parents who knew of her husband's proclivities and chose to give their daughter to him anyway. Then her absolutely dreadful wedding night, which is where my trigger warning comes in (major sexual abuse here, and while not overly graphic, it's also not subtle either). And after she is mercifully relieved of her husband, she is accused of murder and even her parents think she did it. It's disgusting how she is treated, and I was so glad she had Ash there for her. His family is such a contrast to her own, and I was glad that she could experience what a loving family could be like. He was obviously a devoted brother and had a generous heart, and he shared that with Juliana when she needed it most. He didn't have to, but he recognized her need for comfort and kindness. They were a sweet pairing, and given their circumstances, while no intimacy was portrayed on-page, I still felt their love shine through.
This is just the first book in Ash and Juliana's journey, and I'm excited to see where their relationship goes from here. It was truly an enjoyable read, and I looking forward to the next book!
**I received a free copy via NetGalley and this is my honest review.**
March 21, 2023
Pros: A quick, propulsive read with a great opening scene. Light on historical detail and conventional in what historical detail it does include (ex, "Juliana loved the sights and sounds of London" - really? No one's ever done that before) but sketches it out enough that you feel reasonably immersed in the period. Ash's family's background as Puritans lends an unusual shade to our exploration of Georgian London, one that's not often discussed or explored, and so something I hope the writer will lean into more going forward.
Cons: The rest of the novel never quite lives up to the impact of the opening scene. The writing is repetitive (Juliana reminds us VERY often that she has "had enough" and is now living life on her own terms) and the characters are awfully two-dimensional. Juliana's parents are appalling villains without a shade of gray whereas Ash and Juliana are just as two-dimensionally "good." While it can be enjoyable on occasion to read about very one-note villains whom you enjoy seeing defeated, when the villains are this in-your-face the plot becomes awfully predictable. I read some of the scenes in the book thinking how a class act like Georgette Heyer would at least have made them funny.
All in all, a fast, decent-enough read on a cold March night, but nothing that leaves you longing for the next installment.
Cons: The rest of the novel never quite lives up to the impact of the opening scene. The writing is repetitive (Juliana reminds us VERY often that she has "had enough" and is now living life on her own terms) and the characters are awfully two-dimensional. Juliana's parents are appalling villains without a shade of gray whereas Ash and Juliana are just as two-dimensionally "good." While it can be enjoyable on occasion to read about very one-note villains whom you enjoy seeing defeated, when the villains are this in-your-face the plot becomes awfully predictable. I read some of the scenes in the book thinking how a class act like Georgette Heyer would at least have made them funny.
All in all, a fast, decent-enough read on a cold March night, but nothing that leaves you longing for the next installment.
April 5, 2021
Waking up next to your murdered husband, covered in blood, after the worst night of your life, seems kind of sus. That's what everyone but Ashendon thinks, he's the only one who believes Juliana. He's actually quite putting his neck out for her. Taking her into his own home, while trying to prove her innocence.
I feel for Juliana, her upbringing was very restrictive, and controlled by her parents. They pretty much see her as a brood mare. They don't care for her as a person, but as a means to an end. It was a joy to see her open up while living with the Ashendon family, how Juliana slowly took charge of her life, her needs, and wants.
I liked Ashendon. He was a good guy, attentive, and principled. His family had quite some secrets of their own, so he's not one to open up too easily. The connection between him and Juliana, definitely felt more as a building friendship, with two people who have a lot of respect for each other. The romantic notions, for me, were not obvious, and I would like for them to have been more pronounced.
As for the mystery part, I was a big fan of that. I'm very intrigued by this Raven character, and based on title of the next novel, we'll be seeing more of him.
*I received a copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
I feel for Juliana, her upbringing was very restrictive, and controlled by her parents. They pretty much see her as a brood mare. They don't care for her as a person, but as a means to an end. It was a joy to see her open up while living with the Ashendon family, how Juliana slowly took charge of her life, her needs, and wants.
I liked Ashendon. He was a good guy, attentive, and principled. His family had quite some secrets of their own, so he's not one to open up too easily. The connection between him and Juliana, definitely felt more as a building friendship, with two people who have a lot of respect for each other. The romantic notions, for me, were not obvious, and I would like for them to have been more pronounced.
As for the mystery part, I was a big fan of that. I'm very intrigued by this Raven character, and based on title of the next novel, we'll be seeing more of him.
*I received a copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
April 7, 2021
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley, all thoughts are my own.
-My Thoughts
I enjoyed the book. All the mystery and intrigue kept me guessing and at the edge of my seat throughout the whole book. The book was very well written, and there were times when I felt as if I was part of a scene.
Ash and Juliana's relationship was also very sweet in the sense that they supported each other. And knew each other's boundaries and limits. Ash's habit of involving Juliana into everything also made me appreciate his character very much. Juliana was also a well written character, with a strong personality that was not overshadowed by the other characters, especially Ash. The side characters were also very interesting, and they had their own space in the story.
The one thing that disappointed me a little was the lack of romance. I mean I totally understand that Juliana had just come out of an abusing relationship, and there could not have been a lot of heavy scenes. But I would have appreciated if Ash and Juliana's feeling were explored a bit more depth. Otherwise the book was very entertaining and easy to read.
-My Thoughts
I enjoyed the book. All the mystery and intrigue kept me guessing and at the edge of my seat throughout the whole book. The book was very well written, and there were times when I felt as if I was part of a scene.
Ash and Juliana's relationship was also very sweet in the sense that they supported each other. And knew each other's boundaries and limits. Ash's habit of involving Juliana into everything also made me appreciate his character very much. Juliana was also a well written character, with a strong personality that was not overshadowed by the other characters, especially Ash. The side characters were also very interesting, and they had their own space in the story.
The one thing that disappointed me a little was the lack of romance. I mean I totally understand that Juliana had just come out of an abusing relationship, and there could not have been a lot of heavy scenes. But I would have appreciated if Ash and Juliana's feeling were explored a bit more depth. Otherwise the book was very entertaining and easy to read.
May 4, 2021
Lady Juliana Uppingham was married for less than a day, when she woke up that night to find her husband dead. A knife was used to stab his heart, so imagine the terror that filled Juliana's eyes. The amount of blood. Of course, she's the prime suspect. But Sir Edmund Ashendon believes that she is innocent. Having a knack for solving crimes, he takes Juliana under his care.
Historical romance... I'm not so much a fan of anymore. But if there is one amidst a historical mystery, I'm always up for it. There's always something new, and I love seeing the friendship between partners grow into something more! There is barely any romance in here though, which I don't mind all that much. I was more eager to follow through with the mystery parts of this book, but I was left underwhelmed. I felt detached from the characters as well, just reading the book for what it is. The author's style of writing reads awkward at certain parts too. It doesn't compel me to look forward to reading the second book, which I won't be picking up.
This review is written based on the ARC provided by the publisher through Netgalley.
Historical romance... I'm not so much a fan of anymore. But if there is one amidst a historical mystery, I'm always up for it. There's always something new, and I love seeing the friendship between partners grow into something more! There is barely any romance in here though, which I don't mind all that much. I was more eager to follow through with the mystery parts of this book, but I was left underwhelmed. I felt detached from the characters as well, just reading the book for what it is. The author's style of writing reads awkward at certain parts too. It doesn't compel me to look forward to reading the second book, which I won't be picking up.
This review is written based on the ARC provided by the publisher through Netgalley.
May 9, 2021
The day after her wedding, Lady Juliana Uppingham awakens to find her husband dead beside her and having no recollection of the event. After his abuse of her on their wedding night, she feels only hatred for him, yet she is adamant of her innocence. Yet others, including her parents, are not so ready to believe her. She finds support in Sir Edmund Ashendon, a baron who works as a lawyer, taking on her case. He believes in Juliana’s innocence and must do all that he can to save her before it is too late.
An engaging storyline with two interesting characters. At first, Juliana appears to be defined by her upbringing, yet in the presence of Ashendon and his family, she soon gains the courage to be true to herself. Ashendon is an honourable man who does all that he can to help Juliana. Whilst this was storyline had all the ingredients to make for an intriguing mystery, I found the romance between the couple, not quite as believable. Overall, an enjoyable read.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
An engaging storyline with two interesting characters. At first, Juliana appears to be defined by her upbringing, yet in the presence of Ashendon and his family, she soon gains the courage to be true to herself. Ashendon is an honourable man who does all that he can to help Juliana. Whilst this was storyline had all the ingredients to make for an intriguing mystery, I found the romance between the couple, not quite as believable. Overall, an enjoyable read.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
April 4, 2021
4.5 stars
A really enjoyable read. Like Jennifer Ashley's Captain Lacey it's based in the Georgian period, our heroine is a member of the aristocracy and there's a devious master criminal. It's probably worth stating that the assault prior to the murder could be a trigger for some people. Ash's back story reminded me of Courtney Milan's Smite Turner but as I loved all these characters it isn't a bad thing. Ash family is delightful and I hope that we see more of Amelia and Silence.. I need to re-read the start as I must have scan read past the physical description of the hero in my eagerness to absorb the narrative. Julianna's journey from doll like debutante to self possessed investiagtor's assistant is a joy to behold. I'm looking forward to the next one in the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A really enjoyable read. Like Jennifer Ashley's Captain Lacey it's based in the Georgian period, our heroine is a member of the aristocracy and there's a devious master criminal. It's probably worth stating that the assault prior to the murder could be a trigger for some people. Ash's back story reminded me of Courtney Milan's Smite Turner but as I loved all these characters it isn't a bad thing. Ash family is delightful and I hope that we see more of Amelia and Silence.. I need to re-read the start as I must have scan read past the physical description of the hero in my eagerness to absorb the narrative. Julianna's journey from doll like debutante to self possessed investiagtor's assistant is a joy to behold. I'm looking forward to the next one in the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2021
I'm gonna take 2 stars away because there was simply no romance except towards to the end even then it was barely a trace of it.. I enjoyed the every bit of the mystery aspect of the storyline.. And I felt that I was actually in contrast with the characters however when I read a historical romance I want romance with it.. And this one just had none to it.. I understand completely that we had a character who comes out of an abusive relationship but still to have not even a trace of romance? Throughout the story.. It was just disappointing.. I hope book 2 is better..
I received this as a gift from the publisher and the Author via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.. Thank you for such an amazing opportunity
I received this as a gift from the publisher and the Author via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.. Thank you for such an amazing opportunity
May 5, 2022
It wasn't a horse's head, but waking up next to a dead husband had to have been a terrible shock, second only to the horrendous behavior experienced by Lady Juliana on her wedding night to a man her parents selected for her.
What follows becomes an adventure in finding herself, her strength, and her ability to select her own husband for herself. But will she live to do so? She needs the assistance of Sir Edmund Ashendon, whose own family is a secret of high dungeon, too. First, he--in his role as her solicitor--needs to get her off from the accusation that she murdered her husband. Then he needs to find out who did kill him and the maid her father has used as a spy. Goodness!
Who knew that historical tales could include such mysterious goings-on?!
What follows becomes an adventure in finding herself, her strength, and her ability to select her own husband for herself. But will she live to do so? She needs the assistance of Sir Edmund Ashendon, whose own family is a secret of high dungeon, too. First, he--in his role as her solicitor--needs to get her off from the accusation that she murdered her husband. Then he needs to find out who did kill him and the maid her father has used as a spy. Goodness!
Who knew that historical tales could include such mysterious goings-on?!
April 21, 2021
This is a good book by L.C. Sharp. I have not read any books by this author before.
Juliana’s new husband is murdered with her in the bed with him. She has reasons to have committed the atrocity but she didn't. Juliana’s only hope is Sir Edmund Ashendon, a dashing baronet with a knack for solving seemingly unsolvable crimes.
Juliana and Edmund make an amazing pair of friends turned to a married couple.
This book is the beginning of a saga. The second book is yet to come.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
Juliana’s new husband is murdered with her in the bed with him. She has reasons to have committed the atrocity but she didn't. Juliana’s only hope is Sir Edmund Ashendon, a dashing baronet with a knack for solving seemingly unsolvable crimes.
Juliana and Edmund make an amazing pair of friends turned to a married couple.
This book is the beginning of a saga. The second book is yet to come.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
July 19, 2021
2.5 stars, rounded up.
Mainly I read this one to catch up on the series as the second book intrigued. There was an awful lot going on in this book, too much one might say. At least some of these things warranted more words than they received.
CW: Rape - the book opens with this (past tense) and it's a lot.
I found Juliana's characterisation a bit uneven. Maybe my own (lack of) understanding of the time period added to this? Some other characters felt like caricatures and that made it harder for me to care.
Still, I liked Ash and the love he has for his family. I'm hoping the series improves in the second book.
Mainly I read this one to catch up on the series as the second book intrigued. There was an awful lot going on in this book, too much one might say. At least some of these things warranted more words than they received.
CW: Rape - the book opens with this (past tense) and it's a lot.
I found Juliana's characterisation a bit uneven. Maybe my own (lack of) understanding of the time period added to this? Some other characters felt like caricatures and that made it harder for me to care.
Still, I liked Ash and the love he has for his family. I'm hoping the series improves in the second book.
August 2, 2021
I rarely have the chance to read historical mysteries these days, so when I ended up with a galley of book two in this series, I figured I’d better go buy book 1! I’m rating this book on it’s own, pretending there isn’t a follow up and it’s a bit lacking. It feels like half a book. The Raven and the murder plot are interesting enough, but Juliana, a suspect for the entire book, is given a page near the end where we find out she’s no longer facing a death sentence. It was really strange. It didn’t feel like much of any kind of resolution took place. Once again acknowledging that it is part of a series, hopefully book two gives us a little more action and plot
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